Not far from our house is a shrine. This shrine, an Ebisu shrine, celebrates financial success each year. The festival takes place in January and in Naruto and at this particular shrine it is taking place today and tomorrow.

We entered the shrine’s grounds, approached the altar, threw in some money, rang the bell and prayed for our financial hopes for the new year. There was some food for sale, and specialty goods that may bring one even more financial success in the new year for sale. Many local citizens were visiting, praying and chatting.

Tomorrow there is a famous ceremony involving splashing of water and a special prayer for the new year. Unfortunately, I’ll be at work and my children will be at school so we will miss it. If you are free, please visit tomorrow and enjoy the festival.